Klarinet Archive - Posting 000057.txt from 1997/08

From: Bill Hausmann <bhausman@-----.com>
Subj: Re: Student Books
Date: Sat, 2 Aug 1997 23:38:58 -0400

At 03:45 PM 8/2/97 -0500, you wrote:
>-- [ From: the Grouch * EMC.Ver #2.5.02 ] --
>
The instructor has some strong
>views (there is no mouthpiece but VanDoren B45, there is no reed but
>VanDoren 3 1/2 - I think it possible that the world is not quite so absolute
>).
The world needs WAY fewer of these bozos! The B45 is a fine mouthpiece
with terrific tone and a lower register that won't quit, but it is not for
everybody. I find it a chops-buster. Since I don't have the time to
devote to keeping an embouchure of steel, I use a Selmer C85 series (115
facing). It is considerably more open and free-blowing than the Selmer
HS*, which many instructors also recommend, but I can't get enough volume
out of (perfect for shy junior high school kids who are afraid someone will
actually HEAR them). The upper register of the C85 is much easier to keep
in tune than the B45, and the bottom end, while not as strong as the B45,
isn't bad. Its tendency toward shrillness can be tamed somewhat with a
Rovner ligature. I have received complements on my tone using this setup.
I use a Vandoren 2 1/2 or Mitchell Lurie 3, or if you have money to burn,
try Zonda 3. Tell your instructor that mouthpieces and reeds are highly
personal choices. Try a few and use what WORKS for YOU!

Bill Hausmann bhausman@-----.com
451 Old Orchard Drive http://www.concentric.net/~bhausman
Essexville, MI 48732 http://members.wbs.net/homepages/z/o/o/zoot14.html

If you have to mic a saxophone, the rest of the band is too loud.